All-New Volvo C30 Hatch Coming to U.S.
It’s no surprise that the Volvo C30 two-door hatchback is coming to the U.S. as a 2008 model. Volvo unveiled the C30 concept last year at the Detroit auto show and today introduced the production version at the Paris Auto Show and made future stateside sales official. Based on the S40 sedan, the C30 looks to compete with the Volkswagen GTI in the European compact sport race. While that may be a hot segment across the pond — Volvo expects to sell 75% of the 65,000 C30s produced annually in Europe — U.S. buyers have been choosing from just the GTI and the Mini Cooper. We’re not sure if there’s room for a Volvo, but at least the company is delivering a good-looking offering.
Expect prices to be in the low to mid $20,000 range when the C30 arrives here sometime next year. There will be just one engine, a 218-hp turbo inline five-cylinder also used in the S40 T5. Volvo hopes the C30 will attract younger buyers otherwise unimpressed by the company’s “safety first” image. Keep reading for more pictures.
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As much as this car would appeal to me, I would have a hard time buying another Volvo. My first ('02 S60) had so many electrical and brake problems, and I got tired of the multiple dealers lying to me, that I had my wife lemon law it. That's one of the benefits of being married to an attorney. Toss in the fact that Ford is the owner and we are now seeing their lack of quality issues showing up on a regular basis in Volvo cars, This car would have to be priced cheaper than their Japanese counterparts and have a bumper to bumper warranty somewhere in the neighborhood of 6/60.
Actually the Ford ownership of Volvo, Jaguar and Land Rover has only helped quality issues with those brands. And it should be noted most European brands including Mercedes and Audi have long been known for their quality issues.
Dave,
I beg to differ that Ford's ownership has improved the quality issues specifically with Jaguar. My wife and I have driven nothing but Jaguars for the past 27 years and under Ford we have experienced problems that frustrate us (and the dealers!) to no end as they relat to fuel and electronics that no one can fix entirely. At least under the old ownership the issues more related to repeat offenses that covered the same problem again and again. With Ford I too thought reliability would improve, but we have not seen it. My wife and I are hoping that Ford sells to a more reputable and dedicated set of owners who will allow Jaguar to be Jaguar (of old).
I throughly enjoy your articles. Please do keep up the good work.
Jordan,
I didn't say they were problem free!
But the old days of Jaguars just not starting in the morning really don't exist anymore. My parents have had pre and post Ford Jaguars and yes the post ford Jag has had issues (dealing with seats of all things) but not like the pre Ford Jag did (air deciding not to work, electric going out etc.).
Its going to be a long haul to greatly improve quality but you have to compare apples to apples with Mercedes and Audi and other European luxury brands. Of coruse japanese near luxury brands like Acura and Lexus sure dont' seem to have as many problems...
I'll take (and have) a pre-Ford Jag over a post-Ford Jag any day. My Dad taught me that to truly appreciate a Jag you must own two. For when one is in the shop you still have means to get around! Ford destroyed most of the character these cars had, think X-type. Another prime example of why smaller companies do better as small, and also by selling to the up market. Ford did neither.
I am really excited about the C30. I work for a Volvo dealer in Sales. I have a 2006 S40 T5 AWD manual and it has been so much fun. In the last year we have put over 22k on the car. If the C30 handles like the S40 it will be a great seller. Plus it attracts a whole different market to Volvo.
I would be far more impressed if Volvo would offer an AWD version. Seeing as it's built on the same platform as the S40/V50, which both offer AWD options, you have to question their pathology in not making it available on this car.
238 ft/lbs in a FWD layout with no limited slip doesnt impress me.
An "R" edition would be excellent also, but hardly necessary.